Duna (Himalayan Oregano)

Long before pizza arrived in India, the Himalayas had Duna. This is the wild variety of Oregano growing on the rocky slopes of Uttarakhand. It has a sharper, more intense fragrance than the Italian variety. Shepherds would often crush fresh Duna leaves and rub them on cuts or insect bites because of its antiseptic properties. In the kitchen, it is dried and used to season curries, raitas, and traditional breads. It brings the scent of the pine forest straight to your plate.